By Tripura24 News Desk | Agartala Wednesday, February 11, 2026
AGARTALA: In a move that threatens to disrupt the state’s primary supply lifeline, the Tripura Guerrilla Returnee Demand Committee has announced a massive blockade of the Agartala–Assam National Highway (NH-08) and the railway tracks starting from February 20, 2026. The announcement was made during a high-stakes press conference held at the Agartala Press Club today.
The Grievance: A Broken Promise of Rehabilitation
The committee, representing former insurgents who surrendered their arms in hopes of a peaceful and dignified life, expressed deep resentment over the “stalled” rehabilitation process. The leaders alleged that despite signing peace agreements and joining the mainstream, the promises of government jobs, financial aid, and land allocation remain unfulfilled.
“We returned to the mainstream trusting the words of the government. But years have passed, and our families are living in penury. We have been pushed to a corner, and this blockade is our final cry for justice. On February 20, we will halt all movement on the National Highway and the rail lines,” a spokesperson for the Demand Committee told reporters.
Key Demands Outlined:
The committee has put forward a specific charter of demands to be addressed before the February 20 deadline:
- Government Employment: Immediate provision of government jobs for eligible returnees as per the original surrender agreements.
- Financial Clearance: Release of the long-pending “one-time settlement” fund and monthly stipends that have been delayed for several cycles.
- Land & Housing: Permanent land patta (titles) and housing support for surrendered cadres residing in various rehabilitation camps.
- Legal Immunity: Withdrawal of old, non-heinous criminal cases as promised during the peace accords to allow returnees to live without constant police harassment.
Impact on the State
The Agartala–Assam National Highway is the “Lifeline of Tripura,” used for the transport of essential commodities, fuel, and medical supplies. A prolonged blockade, coupled with a rail shutdown, could lead to a severe crisis in the state.
Administration on Alert
While the state government has not yet issued a formal statement on the blockade call, senior officials from the Home Department are reportedly monitoring the situation. Security is expected to be heightened along the highway stretches in Mungiakami and Ambassa, which are traditional protest points for such blockades.
The Demand Committee has urged the state and central governments to initiate high-level talks before the 20th to avoid a total shutdown that would cause hardship to the common public.
